Multiple Machine Remote Control Portable Automatic Ball Feeder

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a ball feeding and throwing apparatus that is capable of feeding multiple ball throwing devices. The present invention feeds balls to each device at a constant rate and allows each ball feed to be independently controlled via a remote control. The present invention comprises a main hull, feeder modules, feeding tubes, and ball throwing devices. The main hull be an all-in-one system which feeds balls via the feeder modules at a constant rate. The feeder modules then transfer the balls through the feeding tubes to each of the multiple ball throwing devices where the balls are thrown towards an athlete. 
     The present invention allows a single coach to control a number of ball feeds remotely and independently. Thereby allowing a single coach to train a number of athletes at one time. Further, the training experience is improved as the coach is free to control the ball feeds remotely, placing the coach in close proximity to an athlete. The close proximity allowing improved communication, greater observation, and allows for hands on training and demonstration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to ball throwing devices. More specifically the present invention relates to an apparatus which is capable of feeding multiple ball throwing devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of ball throwing devices are available on the market and are used for practicing and training various activities such as batting, catching, and tennis. Of these ball throwing devices, there are no all-in-one systems which offer the ability to set up multiple lanes or training zones. Therefore, coaches are limited to training a single athlete at one time or need to attempt to manage multiple independent ball throwing devices at one time.

Further, current products on the market lack automated feeding and remote controls. Therefore, in a lot of cases, a coach is required to be behind the ball throwing device in order to feed balls into the device or to turn the device on or off. In these cases, if a coach would like to observe an athlete in greater detail, or provide hands on training, a second coach is required.

With all the limitations of ball feeding and throwing devices, coaches are often limited to training a single athlete at a time and in some cases two coaches are required. Therefore, there is a need for an improved ball feeding and throwing system which allows for multiple training lanes or zones that may be easily control by a single coach from any location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus capable of feeding balls automatically at a constant interval to multiple ball throwing devices. The feed to each individual ball throwing device is independently controlled via remote control, allowing a single coach to control multiple training lanes or zones from any location.

Allowing the coach freedom of location leads to a significant improvement in the training experience for both the coach and the athlete. The coach is now free to stand right next to an athlete while turning a feed of balls on or off. This close proximity allows the coach to better see and observe the athlete with greater detail. The coach is also able to easily communicate with the athlete. Further, the coach is able to be hands on during training and make adjustments to the athlete's position or posture. The coach may also step in and demonstrate proper technique or form, easily controlling the feed of balls with the press of a button.

The easily transported all-in-one system of the present invention allows the coach to quickly and easily setup multiple training lanes or zones. This allows a coach or program to scale up their training program. Now a single coach may train and observe multiple athletes practicing at the same time, easily moving between training lanes. This allows coaches and programs to coach more athletes in the same amount of time. Further, having multiple lanes allows a program to showcase, observe, or evaluate multiple athletes at the same time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front left prospective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged front right prospective view of the main hull and other elements of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged front elevation view of the main hull and other elements of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged top plan view of the main hull and other elements of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged right elevation view of the main hull and other elements of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and include the A-A section line for the section view shown in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged top plan section view of the main hull and other elements of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the section being taken along section line A-A noted in FIG. 7 , the view further illustrating the flow of baseballs (dashed lines) through the ball hopper, through one of the feed lanes, and through one of the feeder modules.

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged bottom plan view of the main hull and other elements of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a feeding and throwing apparatus capable of feeding multiple ball throwing devices. The present invention is comprised of a main hull 1, feeder modules 4, feeding tubes 5, and ball throwing devices 6.

The main hull 1 of the present invention serves the function of containing a majority of the elements and components of the present invention. Further a majority of the component may be loaded into the main hull 1 and transported, making the present invention very portable. The main hull 1 may be constructed from any suitable means, in any suitable shape, and from any suitable material. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main hull 1 is constructed from aluminum diamond plate sheet material. The preferred embodiment having a generally square or rectangular shape, with an angled sloped bottom.

The main hull 1 of the present invention further comprises a support frame 7. The support frame 7 providing a foundation or support upon which the main hull 1 and other component of the present invention are positioned. The support frame 7 may be positioned and mounted in any suitable location to the main hull 1. In a preferred embodiment, the support frame 7 is located underneath main hull 1, being positioned between the main hull 1 and the ground. The support frame 7 may be constructed out of any suitable material or means of creating a support, including but not limited to frames or legs. In the preferred embodiment, the support frame 7 is constructed of a tubular steel which is connected together to create a frame. The frame being mounted to several mounting plates underneath the main hull 1. Further embodiments may have the main hull 1 resting directly on the ground or other resting surface.

The support frame 7 of the main hull 1 may be further comprised of a number of removable legs 71. The removable legs 71 being added to the support frame 7 in order to add height or a leveling function to the support frame 7. The removable legs 71 may be positioned and attached to any suitable location on the support frame 7. Further the removable legs 71 may be positioned and attached directly to the main hull 1 in some embodiments. In a preferred embodiment, the removable legs 71 are attached to the four corners of the support frame 7 and are extended downward between the support frame 7 and the ground. In the preferred embodiment, the removable legs 71 are removably mounted to the support frame 7 through the use of set screws. The set screws allowing the removable legs 71 to be adjusted up and down and thereby allow the main hull 1 to be leveled. Although any suitable means of removable attachment or connection may be used such as but not limited to fasteners, connectors, and friction tightening connections. The removable legs 71 may be constructed of any suitable means and material. In a preferred embodiment, the removable legs 71 are constructed from tubular steel similar to the tubular steel used to create the support frame 7.

The support frame 7 of the main hull 1 may be further comprised of a set of wheels 72. The wheels 72 being rotatably attached to the support frame 7. In some embodiments, the wheels 72 may be rotatably attached directly to the main hull 1 or another component of the present invention. The wheels 72 serve the function of allowing a user to move or transport the main hull 1 and thereby the entire present invention. The wheels 72 may be comprised of any suitable means of transport including but not limited to casters, wheels 72, or slides. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two wheel are attached to the support frame 7, so that when the removable legs 71 are removed the wheels 72 are resting on the ground. The main hull 1 and thereby the majority of the present invention may then be balanced over the two wheels 72 and easily transported or wheeled around. Further embodiments may include more wheels 72 or additions of other components such as a set of two wheel along with two casters.

In further embodiments, the main hull 1 of the present invention may include further elements or components to improve the transporting or portability of the present invention. Some additional elements or components include but are not limited to handles 26 or lifting points.

The main hull 1 of the present invention is further comprised of a ball hopper 2. The ball hopper 2 serves the function of containing a plurality of ball that will be eventually feed through the present invention. Any suitable means of containment may be used such as but not limited to a bin or a hopper. Further, the ball hopper 2 may be positioned in any suitable position of location. In a preferred embodiment the ball hopper 2 is contained within the main hull 1 and the side walls of the main hull 1 form a portion of the ball hopper 2. In the preferred embodiment, the ball hopper 2 is generally square or rectangular with an angled sloping bottom which helps to feed balls down and forward. The ball hopper 2 may be constructed of any means and material suitable for containing a plurality of balls. In the preferred embodiment, the aluminum diamond plate sheet used to construct the main hull 1 is further used to construct any portions of the ball hopper 2 not already formed by the main hull 1. The ball hopper 2 further provides the function of feeding balls toward the feed lanes 3 which are connected to the ball hopper 2. Any suitable means of feeding and concentration balls may be used such as but not limited to mechanical or gravity. In the preferred embodiment, the ball hopper 2 utilizes gravity along the downward sloping shape of the ball hopper 2 to feed and concentrate balls into the connected feed lanes 3.

The ball hopper 2 of the main hull 1 may be further comprised of at least one viewing panels 21. The viewing panels 21 being configured to allow a user to view into the ball hopper 2, so the user may know the number of balls left within the ball hopper 2. Any number of viewing panels 21 may be added to the ball hopper 2. Further, viewing panels 21 may be located in any location or position of the ball hopper 2. viewing panels 21 may be constructed from any suitable means or materials for viewing including but not limited to meshes, glasses, clear plastics, and wire. In the preferred embodiment, the several viewing panels 21 are mounted within the wall 22 of the ball hopper 2. In the preferred embodiment, the viewing panels 21 are constructed from expanded metal mesh and cover an opening cut through the wall 22 of the ball hopper 2.

The ball hopper 2 of the main hull 1 may be further comprised of a vibrating mechanism 23. The vibrating mechanism 23 may be attached or connected to any component of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the vibrating mechanism 23 is attached to the floor or the bottom surface of the ball hopper 2. The vibrating mechanism 23 provides a vibration which helps to feed balls and break up any ball jams or congestion within the ball hopper 2. The vibrating mechanism 23 may comprise any number of means of creating vibrations or motion such as but not limited to vibrating motors or rotating weights. In the preferred embodiments vibrating motors are mounted to the underside of the angled sloped floor or bottom of the ball hopper 2. In some embodiments, switches may be added to activate and deactivate the vibrating mechanisms 23. In further embodiments, the vibrating mechanisms 23 are activated and deactivated whenever the feeder modules 4 are activated or deactivated, respectively.

The ball hopper 2 of the main hull 1 may be further comprised of a number of guide stubs 24. The guide stubs 24 being mounted within the ball hopper 2 and helping to guide and control the feeding balls. The guide stubs 24 may have any suitable shape and be located in any suitable location within the ball hopper 2. In a preferred embodiment, the guide stubs 24 are positioned on the front side of the ball hopper 2, above the feed lanes 3 as to prevent balls from being feed downward into the feed lane from multiple angles, thereby preventing jams and congestion within the feed lanes 3. The preferred embodiment of the guide stubs 24 have a height and diameter that is roughly half the diameter of the ball.

The ball hopper 2 of the main hull 1 may be further comprised of indicator lights 25. The indicator lights 25 being positioned or mounted in any suitable location on the main hull 1 or other components of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator lights 25 are mounted to the front exterior surface of the main hull 1. In the preferred embodiment, the indicator lights 25 provide a visual indication to a user when the present invention is activated or deactivated. The present invention is capable of feeding multiple ball to multiple ball throwing devices 6. The preferred embodiment has an indicator light corresponding to each ball feeder module and which visually indicates the activated or deactivated status of each of the ball feeder module. Further embodiments may include additional lights and signals which transmit data or indications to a user.

The main hull 1 of the present invention is further comprised of feed lanes 3. The feed lanes 3 having an entrance side 31 and an exit side 32. The feed lanes 3 being connected to the ball hopper 2 on the entrance side 31 and connecting to the feeder modules 4 on the exit side 32. The feed lanes 3 accepting the flow or feed of ball from the ball hopper 2 and transferring the balls in an organized manner to the feeder modules 4. In a preferred embodiment, the balls enter the feed lanes 3 and are organized into a single line of balls. Any suitable number of feed lanes 3 may be utilized to accept the flow or feed of balls from the ball hopper 2. However, in most embodiments, the number of feed lane exit sides 32 should equal the number of feeder modules 4 thereby creating a single flow or line of balls feeding each feeder module. The preferred embodiment includes four feed lanes 3 and four feeder modules 4. In this preferred embodiment, each of the four feed lanes 3 are accept a feed or a flow of balls from the bottom of the single ball hopper 2. Each of the four lanes then transfer the balls in a single line to one of the four feeder modules 4. Further embodiments may be created without a feed lane, in such embodiments the feeder module would accept balls directly from the ball hopper 2. The feed lanes 3 may be constructed from any suitable material and means for create a lane, guide, or channel. In a preferred embodiment, the feed lanes 3 are constructed from aluminum lane which is formed into sloping walls which guide the balls from the ball hopper 2 into a single line.

The feed lanes 3 of the main hull 1 may be further comprised of horizontal ramps 34 and vertical ramps 35. The vertical ramps 35 being positioned within the feed lane adjacent to the feeder modules 4. The vertical ramps 35 serving the function of constraining or tightening the flow of ball in the vertical direction. Thereby the balls are positioned in a desired vertical position as they are feed into the feeder module. The horizontal ramps 34 being positioned within the feed lane adjacent to the feeder modules 4. The horizontal ramps 34 serving the function of constraining or tightening the flow of ball in the horizontal direction. Thereby the balls are positioned in a desired horizontal position as they are feed into the feeder module. The tightening or constraining of the flow of balls prevents jamming as the balls are feed from the feed lanes 3 into the feeder modules 4. The vertical ramps 35 and the horizontal ramps 34 may be constructed of any suitable means, but in a preferred embodiment, the vertical ramps 35 and the horizontal ramps 34 constructed from angled piece of aluminum.

The feed lanes 3 of the main hull 1 may be further comprised of rotating cylinders 33. The rotating cylinders 33 maybe positioned anywhere within the ball hopper 2 or feed lanes 3. In a preferred embodiment, the rotating cylinders 33 are positioned at the entrance of the feed lanes 3 adjacent to the ball hopper 2. There may be as many rotating cylinders 33 as desired to help the ball flow. The preferred embodiment having one rotating cylinder located within each feed lane. The rotating cylinders 33 maybe constructed of any suitable means and material for aiding in the flow and guiding of balls. In the preferred embodiment, the rotating cylinder is a cylinder which extends the full height of the feed lane. The exterior surface of the rotating cylinder in the preferred embodiment being textured. The rotating cylinder may be rotated using any suitable means such as a motor or other drive system. In the preferred embodiment, the rotating cylinder is drive by a motor which rotates a direction feeding the balls down the feed lane. In the preferred embodiment, if the rotating cylinder encounters significant resistance such as resistance created by a jam, the motor reverse helping to the clear the ball jam.

The feeder modules 4 of the present invention serve the function of feeding a ball into the feeding tube 5 at a desired time interval. The feeder modules 4 create this feed of ball at a user desired interval when the feeder module is in an activated state, yet when in a deactivated state the feed of balls is stopped. The feeder modules 4 each have an entrance opening 41 and an exit opening 42. The entrance opening 41 of the feeder modules 4 are connected to the feed lanes 3, accepting the feed or flow of balls from the feed lane. The exit opening 42 of the feeder modules 4 are connected to the feeding tubes 5, the feeder modules 4 feeding the balls into the feeding tubes 5. In the preferred embodiment, there is a feed lane which corresponds to each of the feeder module.

The feeder modules 4 of the present invention are further comprised of a module casing 43. The module casing 43 forming the structure and the guiding channel of the feeder module. The module casing 43 can be constructed of any form and material suitable, but in a preferred embodiment, the majority of the module casing 43 is comprised of an aluminum wire structure which is formed into a guide channel or lane.

The feeder modules 4 of the present invention are each further comprised of a rotating ball feeder mechanism 47. The rotating ball feeder mechanisms 47 being positioned within each of the module casings 43 of the feeder modules 4. The rotating ball feeder mechanisms 47 being configures to rotate and feed balls through the feeder module 4 at a constant rate. The rotating ball feeder mechanism 47 may be comprised of any suitable mechanism for controlling the feed of balls such as but not limited to rotating foam discs, rotating plates with cutouts, or rotating screws.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotating ball feeder mechanism 47 is comprised of a set of feeder forks 44. The feeder forks 44 being positioned within the module casing 43 of the feeder module. The feeder forks 44 being configures to rotate and feed balls through the feeder module at a constant rate. In the preferred embodiment, the feeder forks 44 are rotated about an axis and configured such that each time a feeder fork passes through the flow of ball a single ball is picked up and transferred to the feeding tube 5. In the preferred embodiment two forks are organized about a single axis, thereby every time the axis completes a full rotation, two balls are transferred from the feed lane side of the feeder module to the feeding tube 5 side of the feeder module. Therefore, the ball transfer time interval (the time between each fed ball) is controlled by the speed of the axis rotation. In some embodiments, the speed of axis rotation is adjusted to control the ball transfer time interval. In further embodiments, the number of feeder forks 44 may be increased or decreased in order to adjust or control the ball transfer time interval.

The feeder modules 4 of the present invention may be further comprised of feeder fork motors 45. With each of the feeder fork motors 45 being attached or mounted to one of the feeder modules 4. In a preferred embodiment, each feeder module has a feeder fork motor mounted to the side of the module casing 43. The rotating ball feeder mechanism 47 is attached to the feeder fork motors 45 and the rotating ball feeder mechanism 47 is configured to rotate when the feeder fork motor is activated. In a preferred embodiment, the feeder forks 44 being mounted about an axis have said axis mounted to the feeder fork motor so that when the feeder fork motor rotates, the axis and thereby the feeder forks 44 rotate. As above described, the speed of the axis and the number of feeder forks 44 mounted about an axis dictate the ball transfer time interval. In one embodiment of the present invention, the feeder fork motor is configured to rotate at a constant speed and thereby rotates the feeder forks 44 at a constant rate, producing a constant ball transfer time interval. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the user is able to adjust the rotational rate or the speed of the feeder fork motors 45, thereby the feeder fork motors 45 are configured to rotate the feeder forks 44 at a user defined rate or speed. Any suitable means of creating rotation or motion may be utilized such as but not limited to motors and other drive systems. The preferred embodiment utilizes a synchronous motor which has a consistent rotation speed defined by the motor and input power frequency. Further in the preferred embodiment, each feeder fork motor is activated, deactivated, and controlled independently, thereby allowing a user to control each feeder module independently.

The feeder modules 4 of the present invention may be further comprised of a remote control 46 or multiple remote controls 46. The remote controls 46 being configured to control any number of functions of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the remote controls 46 are configured to activate and deactivate the feeder fork motors 45 or each feeder modules 4. In this preferred embodiment, the remote is configured with an on and off button for each feeder module, further the remote is configured with an on and off button which controls all of the feeder modules 4. Utilizing this preferred embodiment of the remote control 46 a user may control the feed of ball through each feeder module and may also turn all the feeder modules 4 on or off. The preferred embodiment utilizes a wireless remote control 46, although any suitable means of remote control 46 may be used such as but not limited to corded controllers or electrical switches.

The feeding tubes 5 of the present invention serves the function of feeding or transferring ball from the feeder modules 4 to the ball throwing device 6. The feeding tubes 5 having a first end 51 and a second end 52. The feeding tubes 5 being connected on the first end 51 to the feeder module and being connected on the second end 52 to the ball throwing device 6, so that a single feeding tube 5 is connected on the first end 51 to a single feeder module and connected on the second end 52 to a single ball throwing device 6. The ball being feed out of the feeder module and into the feeding tube 5, is guided through the feeding tube 5 to the ball throwing device 6. The feeding tube 5 may utilize any suitable means of guiding, transferring, or feeding balls. In a preferred embodiment, the feeding tube 5 is comprised of a long tube constructed of plastic and reinforced with stiff wire. The feeding tube 5 being held taught and at a slope utilizes gravity to transfer and feed balls from the feeder module to the ball throwing device 6. Further embodiments of the feeding tube 5 may be clear or have viewing slots or cutouts which allow the user to see any balls within the feeding tubes 5.

The ball throwing devices 6 of the present invention serves the function of throwing, pitching, or serving the ball to the user. The present invention may be utilized with any number of ball throwing devices 6 such as but not limited to baseball pitching machines 61 or tennis ball serving machines. Further the present invention may utilize any ball throwing device 6 to deliver a ball to the user in any suitable fashion including and not limited to pitching for batting practice, throwing for catching practice, throwing for fielding practice, and any number of tennis, baseball 11, or other ball drills. The ball throwing devices 6 may be positioned in any suitable location as needed by the user. Each ball throwing device 6 being feed ball from the connected feeding tube 5 and being feed at a rate dictated by the ball transfer time interval set by the feeder module.

The present invention further comprises an electrical system. The electrical system functioning to supply and distribute power from a provided power source to all of the elements and components of the present invention. Any suitable system of power distribution maybe utilized such as but not limited to hardwire, junction boxes, or power strips. Further any suitable means of power source may be provided including but not limited to a A/C power, D/C power, or batteries. A further embodiment of the present invention further comprises a battery. The battery being able to supply power for the present invention and allows the present invention to be utilized in situations and locations where a conventional power source is not available. In some embodiments the battery is rechargeable. Exemplary embodiments include but are not limited to car batteries or lithium batteries.

Some embodiment of the present invention further comprises setup guides. The setup guide serving to aid in positioning and locating all of the components of the present invention. As an exemplary embodiment a number of ropes may comprise a rope setup guide. Each length of rope corresponding to the distance with which to position one of the ball throwing devices 6. The use of said rope setup guide ensures the feeding tubes 5 are tight and able to properly gravity feed balls.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is setup and utilized with the following method. The main hull 1 is transported to desired location, through the use of the attached wheels 72. The main hull 1 is lifted and the removable legs 71 are attached to support frame 7, thereby lifting the main hull 1 off the ground to a height above the ball throwing devices 6.

The ball throwing devices 6 are positioned at the location and orientation required for their desired use. The position and location may or may not be determined through the use of a setup guide such as the rope setup guide. The feeder tubes are then connected with their first end 51 connected to the exit opening 42 of the feeder modules 4 and the second end 52 connected to the ball throwing device 6. The electrical system is supplied with power and the ball hopper 2 is filled with a plurality of balls. The present invention is now prepared for usage.

During the use of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, one of the plurality of balls starts in the ball hopper 2. The ball is feed downward and forward via gravity and the shape of the ball hopper 2. The feed is further aided through the vibration of the vibrating mechanism 23 and the guide stubs 24. The ball reaching the feed lanes 3, enters the entrance side 31 of the feed lane with the aid of the rotating cylinder and is queued up in a single file line. The ball moves through the feed lane and is feed into the entrance opening 41 of the feeder module through the horizontal ramps 34 and the vertical ramps 35. The ball is then individually picked up and transferred forward via the feeder forks 44 at a rate correlating to the ball transfer time interval. The feeder fork transfers the ball towards the exit opening 42 of the feeder module and the ball moves from the feeder module into the first end 51 of the feeding tube 5. The ball travels via gravity through the feeding tube 5. At the second end 52 of the feeding tube 5 the ball is transferred into the ball throwing device 6, which proceeds with throwing the ball.

In some embodiments, a baseball 11 is used as the ball which is fed and thrown. In a further set of these embodiments, the baseball 11 may be less than a standard weight as an exemplary example the baseball 11 may be 4 ounces in weight or less. This underweight baseball 11 would aid in allowing an increase in the number or amount of drills that may be practiced with less wear and tear on the user. This due to the fact that lighter balls have less energy. Further higher speeds may be employed with less risk of injury and less wear and tear. These underweight baseballs 11 would be especially useful when performing high risk drills and activities such blocking training for catchers or when an ball accidental strikes a user in an undesired location such as the wrist or head. Further, catchers would be able to train skills at high speeds with less wear and with reduced risk of injury.

In a yet further set of embodiments which utilize a baseball 11, the baseball 11 may have a weight which is heavier than the standard weight, as an exemplary example the baseball 11 may be 6 ounces in weight or greater. These overweight baseballs 11 would be useful when training and trying to build strength. In a fashion similar to lifting weights.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ball feeding and throwing apparatus comprises: a main hull; a number of feeder modules; a number of feeding tubes; a number of ball throwing devices; the number of feeder modules each having an entrance opening and an exit opening; the number of feeding tubes each having a first end and a second end; the main hull further comprises a ball hopper and a number of feed lanes; the number of feed lanes each having an entrance side and an exit side; the ball hopper being connected to the entrance side of the number of feed lanes; the exit side of each of the number of feed lanes being connected to the entrance opening of one of the number of feeder modules; the exit opening of each of the number of feeder modules being connected to the first end of one of the number of feeding tubes; and the second end of each of the number of feeding tubes being connected to one of the number of ball throwing devices.
 2. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the number of feeder modules further comprises a number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms and a number of feeder fork motors; the number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms being positioned within the number of feeder modules; each of the number of feeder fork motors being attached to one of the number of feeder modules; the number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms being connected to the number of feeder fork motors; and the number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms being configured to rotate when the number of feeder fork motors are activated.
 3. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 comprises: wherein the number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms are configured to rotate at a constant rate.
 4. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 comprises: wherein the number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms are configured to rotate at a user defined rate.
 5. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 comprises: wherein the number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms are a number of feeder forks.
 6. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the number of feeder modules further comprises a remote control; and the remote control being configured to activate and deactivate the number of feeder modules.
 7. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the ball hopper further comprises at least one viewing panel; the at least one viewing panel being mounted within a wall of the ball hopper; and the at least one viewing panel being configured to allow a user to view into the ball hopper.
 8. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the ball hopper further comprises a vibrating mechanism; and the vibrating mechanism being connected to the ball hopper.
 9. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the ball hopper further comprises a number of guide stubs; and the number of guide stubs being mounted within the ball hopper.
 10. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the number of feed lanes further comprises a number of rotating cylinders; and the number of rotating cylinders being positioned within the number of feed lanes adjacent to the ball hopper.
 11. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the number of feed lanes further comprises a number of horizontal ramps and a number of vertical ramps; the number of horizontal ramps being positioned within the number of feed lanes adjacent to the exit side; and the number of vertical ramps being positioned within the number of feed lanes adjacent to the exit side.
 12. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the main hull further comprises a support frame; and the support frame being mounted to the main hull.
 13. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the support frame further comprises a set of removable legs; and the set of removable legs being removably mounted to the support frame.
 14. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the support frame further comprises a set of wheels; and the set of wheels being rotatably attached to the support frame.
 15. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: wherein the number of ball throwing devices is comprised of a number of baseball pitching machines configured to throw a baseball.
 16. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 15 comprises: wherein the baseball weighs 4 ounces or less.
 17. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 15 comprises: wherein the baseball weighs 6 ounces or greater.
 18. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: wherein the number of ball throwing devices is comprised of a number of tennis ball serving machines.
 19. A ball feeding and throwing apparatus comprises: a main hull; two or more feeder modules; two or more feeding tubes; two or more ball throwing devices; the two or more feeder modules each having an entrance opening and an exit opening; the two or more feeding tubes each having a first end and a second end; the main hull further comprises a ball hopper and two or more feed lanes; the two or more feed lanes each having an entrance side and an exit side; the ball hopper being connected to the entrance side of the two or more feed lanes; the exit side of each of the two or more feed lanes being connected to the entrance opening of one of the two or more feeder modules; the exit opening of each of the two or more feeder modules being connected to the first end of one of the two or more feeding tubes; and the second end of each of the two or more feeding tubes being connected to one of the two or more ball throwing devices;
 20. The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in claim 19 comprises: the two or more feeder modules further comprises a remote control; and the remote control being configured to activate and deactivate the two or more feeder modules. 